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State undecided on first choice for Ketchikan island crossing

KETCHIKAN (AP) -- A state Department of Transportation spokesman said this week the state has not selected a preferred alternative for crossing Tongass Narrows.

Roger Healy told the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly that the department would announce its preferred alternative in January.

The state is considering bridge or ferry options to connect the main part of the city with Gravina Island, the site of the Ketchikan airport.

One alternative is no action. Airport users currently reach the airport via ferry.

Pressed for details by assembly members, Healy said more technical and economic data about the alternatives is being developed and that the department intends to make its decision when all the information is available.

Besides the no-action alternative, the department is considering three ferry options, a low bridge option near Ketchikan International Airport, two alignments of a high bridge option near the airport, and a combination low bridge to Pennock Island leading to a high bridge to Gravina Island, Healy said.